The West End production of the Tony-winning Hairspray has recouped its entire £3.5 million capitalization, which has been achieved in just 29 weeks. The production opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre Oct. 30, 2007.

Leanne Jones and Ben James-Ellis in the West End's Hairspray.
Photo by Catherine Ashmore

Hairspray, which has won the Best Musical Award in both the Laurence Olivier Awards and the Critics' Circle Awards, is now booking to April 4, 2009. The cast currently features Olivier winners Michael Ball as Edna Turnblad and Leanne Jones as Tracy Turnblad with Ian Talbot as Wilbur Turnblad and Ben James-Ellis as Link Larkin.

Mark O'Donnell's book is set in sixties Baltimore and is based on John Waters' 1988 movie of the same name. The story follows the fortunes of "pleasantly plump" Baltimore teenager Tracy Turnblad, who yearns to perform in the Corny Collins Dance Show.

Transformed overnight from outsider to teen celebrity, Tracy's next mission is to vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a television show.

Hairspray is produced in the West End by Stage Entertainment with Margo Lion, The Baruch/Viertel/Routh/Frankel Group and New Line Cinema in association with others from the Broadway producing team.

To book tickets, contact the box office at 020 7379 5399 or visit www.hairspraythemusical.com.